Agatha Christie’s courtroom drama, Witness for the Prosecution, remains a benchmark for suspenseful storytelling, expertly brought to the screen by director Billy Wilder in 1957. The film, produced by United Artists, presents a tangled web of deception and hidden motives, ensuring an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged.
The narrative centers around Sir Wilfrid Robarts, portrayed with gravitas by Charles Laughton, a barrister recovering from a heart attack, who takes on the defense of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), a man accused of murdering a wealthy widow, Emily French. Vole’s alibi rests solely on the testimony of his German wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich), whose cool demeanor and enigmatic nature cast doubt on her sincerity from the outset. The plot thickens with the introduction of Nurse Plimsoll, portrayed by Elsa Lanchester (and Laughton’s real-life wife), who monitors Sir Wilfrid’s health and provides some much needed comedic relief. The evidence against Vole appears insurmountable, but Sir Wilfrid, with his shrewd legal mind, begins to uncover contradictions and hidden truths, leading to a series of shocking revelations.
The genius of Wilder’s direction lies in the way he maintains suspense, using the courtroom setting not just as a place of legal proceedings but also as a stage for theatrical performance. Each character is given depth and nuance, making the viewer question everyone’s motivations. The interplay between Laughton’s gruff, authoritative barrister and Dietrich’s captivating and calculated wife creates a fascinating tug-of-war, keeping us guessing about her true feelings. The film is also notable for its carefully constructed plot twists and turns, keeping the viewer guessing right up until the final moments.
The performances are absolutely impeccable, with Laughton portraying Sir Wilfrid as a man of both legal brilliance and human vulnerability, battling his own health issues while simultaneously trying to secure his client’s freedom. Power’s portrayal of Vole is nuanced, switching between an air of innocence and subtle shifts that raise suspicion. However, it is Dietrich who is the true standout, her character a puzzle that never ceases to intrigue. She portrays Christine with a cool, almost detached quality, making her motives difficult to discern and her eventual revelations even more shocking. The supporting cast, which includes Henry Daniell as the prosecuting barrister and Una O’Connor as the victim’s housekeeper, adds further texture to the narrative and ensures that every element of the story is fully realised.
The movie’s impact stems from its masterful control of pacing and revelation, slowly revealing details that force one to constantly reconsider what one thinks they know. It is more than just a mystery; it explores themes of trust, deceit, and the limitations of the justice system. The ending, famously withheld from early audiences, cements its status as a classic of the genre. Witness for the Prosecution is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling with its clever script, strong direction and powerful performances, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate a great mystery.
Witness for the Prosecution is a United Artists production.
Release Date: 1957
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: Charles Laughton, Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Elsa Lanchester, Henry Daniell.